As the summer heat begins to ease up, Hampton Roads' many food and drink events begin to uptick.

Steak, barbecue, bourbon and beer are being celebrated in September, making sure the pickiest of eaters will find a festival that suits their liking.

Busch Gardens Bier Fest

The annual Bier Fest at Busch Gardens ties the theme park's Bavarian theme to Germany's well known Oktoberfest.

This year's festival will take place over three weekends: Sept. 2-5, 10-11 and 17-18.

More than 90 beers will be available, ranging from international selections to Hampton Roads breweries.

Scott K. Brown / SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc.

Kevin McCormick, left, director of culinary operations at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, taps the Firkin Keg during last year's innaugral Bier Fest at the park. This is done every day of the festival at 11:30 a.m. This year's Bier Fest will be held weekends from Sept. 2-18.

Kevin McCormick, left, director of culinary operations at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, taps the Firkin Keg during last year's innaugral Bier Fest at the park. This is done every day of the festival at 11:30 a.m. This year's Bier Fest will be held weekends from Sept. 2-18. (Scott K. Brown / SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc.)

The Bier Fest Sampler can be purchased upon entry into the park and allow for 10 tastings.

For more information, visit buschgardens.com/va.

Virginia Craft Beer and Wine Festival

The Virginia Craft Beer and Wine Festival will return Sept. 10 to the Portsmouth Pavilion for the third straight year.

Lasting from noon to 5 p.m., the festival will feature 60 varieties of Virginia beer, some cider and 25 different wines available for sampling.

Live music and food will be available.

Tickets are $30 and $35 the week of the event.

More information can be found at virginiabeerandwinefestival.com

Ryan Murphy /

Contestants compete to see who can eat half a pound of bacon the fastest at the inaugural Bacon, Bourbon and Beach Music Festival.

Contestants compete to see who can eat half a pound of bacon the fastest at the inaugural Bacon, Bourbon and Beach Music Festival. (Ryan Murphy /)

Steak Fest in Charles City County

Kick back and tackle a "man-sized steak" while enjoying a view of the James River at the annual Charles City Ruritan Steak Feast Sept. 15.

The festival is 3:30-9 p.m. at Berkeley Plantation, site of the first official Thanksgiving in 1619.

Tickets are $35 for a steak dinner, unlimited drinks and live entertainment.

For more information go to steakfeast.org.

Mariners Museum Gallery Crawl

A special selection of the Mariners' Museum's collection will be on display for one night only this September.

The annual event features a three-course food and drinks station related to each gallery at the museum.

"We always focus on artifacts that have rarely been out before," said Jenna Dill, marketing and communications director.

Throughout the evening, costumed interpreters, curators and conservators will be available to share information about the collections on display.

The event is scheduled for 6:30-10 p.m. Sept. 24. Tickets are $55 in advance and $60 day of the event.

For more information, visit marinersmuseum.org.

Ribtoberfest returns

Norfolk's Ribtoberfest returns for the fourth year in a row this fall.

More than just beer, Ribtoberfest celebrates southern food, brews and music.